Our Story
About Southern Garage Doors
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2013
2016
2022
2013: A Clear Direction
Southern Garage Doors Inc. began in 2013, rooted in the trades and built on a foundation of practical skill, industry experience, and a desire to serve Sarasota and Manatee County with excellence. With a background in the garage door field and prior construction ventures, Ronald Knepp founded the business to meet a growing local need for reliable, professional service.
Rather than pursue a traditional college path, Matthew Knepp chose to learn through full-time field work—hands-on, direct, and practical. Garage doors became the focus not by trend, but by alignment with family experience and the realities of the local market. From the beginning, the company set its sights on repair, service, and opener work, not full door installations—allowing the team to specialize and refine their craft.
2019: Shifting the Helm
After five years of full-time apprenticeship, leadership transitioned in 2019 to Matthew Knepp, who had already become the face of the service and repair division. This change marked a shift in structure, but not in values. While Ronald continued to handle door installations through 2021, day-to-day operations and customer relationships were led through the service side, focused on prompt, dependable, and value-driven repair work.
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The brand moved forward quietly and deliberately, growing not through volume or advertising, but through consistency and word of mouth. With licensure as a Florida Certified Specialty Contractor (SCC131153700), Southern Garage Doors Inc. became known not just as a service provider—but as a reliable presence for those who wanted the job done right, without pressure or gimmicks.
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As of 2022, due to the need to care for aging family members, Ronald relocated back to western Pennsylvania. He continues to work in the garage door industry there, as the manager of Gateway Garage Doors LLC bringing decades of experience to his local community.
2025: Steady, Focused, Local
Twelve years in, Southern Garage Doors Inc. continues to operate with the same steady commitment it began with: show up, do the work well, and treat people with respect. The company specializes in garage door opener replacements, spring repairs, and general service—not door installations or door replacements—making it one of the few businesses in the region to take this refined, service-first approach.
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The business runs lean by design. There are no upsells, no commissions, and no pressure—just clear assessments, honest recommendations, and solutions that hold up. Every job is handled with intention, recognizing that trust is built slowly, and excellence is not a trend but a pattern.
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In a market where emotional manipulation and aggressive sales tactics are common, Southern Garage Doors Inc. is building something different: a reputation worth keeping, and a service worth coming back to.
We handle large and small Garage Door repairs with the same commitment to excellence. When you need Garage Door repairs, we understand that you need service right away to protect your home and family. Whether you need a new garage door opener, garage door spring, or have any other Garage Door need, we are ready to serve you.
Solutions Tailored To Your Needs
We understand that in most cases it is far more affordable to fix a garage door than to replace it, so we work hard to provide affordable maintenance through inspections and garage door repairs, rather than pressuring you for new garage door installation before it is necessary. We can replace your broken Garage Door Spring or Garage Door opener in a matter of hours, providing you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your family and your property are safe.
Serving Sarasota & Manatee Counties.
